You are legally entitled to a basic bank account. You are not required to provide utility bills or have a fixed address.
Who has a right to a basic bank account in the UK?
- Certain banks (see below) must give basic bank account to any UK resident.
- This is stated in the Payment Accounts (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018.
Can I apply for a bank account without utility bills or a fixed address?
- You do not need to provide utility bills.
- You do not need to have a fixed address.
Could I be refused a basic bank account?
- If you are a UK resident you will only be refused if you have criminal convictions for fraud.
- Banks do not have to give basic banks accounts to EU residents.
- The law changed when the UK left the EU.
- The original law was the Payment Accounts Regulations 2015.
- This says that banks must offer basic bank accounts to anyone living legally in the EU.
- It is now up to the bank to decide if EU residents are given basic bank accounts.
The following banks are legally required to give you a basic bank account:
- Barclays UK.
- The Co-operative Bank.
- HSBC UK.
- Lloyds Banking Group, including:
- Halifax.
- Bank of Scotland brands.
- Nationwide Building Society
- NatWest Group, including:
- RBS.
- Ulster Bank brands.
- Santander UK.
- TSB.
- Virgin Money, formerly:
- Clydesdale & Yorkshire Bank.
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays